Alot of variables factor into when they come into estrous. And it depends on your location. Hear in Illinois I usually start to see chasing and scraping pick up the last few days of October. The actual rut is usually around the middle of November. Assuming we're talking about the same rut. I've always thought of the rut as the time when bucks are with the does actively breeding. To me, I would rather hunt the chasing phase. They move alot more and are more receptive to calling and rattling. When they are with does it is pretty much impossible to bring him in. You have to try to bring the doe in and hope he follows. I've been reading Hunting WHitetails by the Moon by Charles Alsheimer and its very interesting some of the ideas he has as to when it starts. Hopefully I'll find out if his ideas are true this coming season.